Sharp takes ESPN to task in newsletter

John Sharp, right, has his quarterback’s back. (Dave Einsel/Associated Press)

COLLEGE STATION – Texas A&M has called out the messenger on the NCAA investigation into whether Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel potentially accepted pay for autographs. In a newsletter sent to “community and business leaders” by A&M chancellor John Sharp, and first reported by the Austin American-Statesman, Sharp writes this:

“As you are all aware, our Heisman Trophy winning, freshman quarterback has been very popular this summer! I hope you saw that I recently supported him at the opening of the Texas A&M School of Law in Fort Worth.

“While I did confirm that it was a personal view, my motivation was based on the fact we have had ongoing and productive dialogue with the NCAA during their investigation, as required. However, some members of the media have chosen to declare #2 guilty with no evidence whatsoever.

“Darren Rovell of ESPN, who broke this story, has been duped before. During his report on Johnny Manziel, he cites unnamed sources who refuse to provide an interview or any tangible proof. In fact, his “named source,” Drew Tieman (initially referred to as the broker), was reportedly booked twice for possession of marijuana and placed on four years probation. He has taken down his Facebook page, changed his telephone number and is refusing attempts to be interviewed by the NCAA. It is surprising that the nation’s largest sports channel would support publication with this lack of corroboration.

“I look forward to the start of this football season and am confident that we’ll once again exceed expectations during our second season in the SEC. We should all be very proud of what Coach Sumlin and his staff are accomplishing here in Aggieland.”

The Aggies open their season in a little more than a week – at noon against Rice on Aug. 31 at Kyle Field – and A&M has declined to speculate on whether Manziel will play against the Owls. He has taken part in every practice and took most of the snaps in an open scrimmage on Saturday night.